Valerie Hector



Born:

1960, Evanston, IL USA

Training / Education:

  • 1979-1982 Loyola University, Chicago, IL with major in English Literature.
  • B.A., 1982, Summa cum laude
  • 1983-1985 University of Chicago, graduate studies in Anthropology with focus on Yucatec Maya culture and language

Work Experience:

  • 1988-Present Studio jeweler and exhibitor at American juried art/craft fairs
  • 1985-1987 Studio assistant and later Gallery Director, Eve J. Alfillé Gallery, Evanston, IL

Exhibitions (Solo & Group Shows):

  • 2004 "Art to Wear." Group Show, Cambridge Artist's Cooperative, Cambridge, MA
  • 1999 "Beadz: New Work by Contemporary Artists." Group show, American Craft Museum, New York

Awards / Grants:

  • 2004 Jeri Au Juror's Award, St. Louis Art Fair, Clayton, MO
  • 2004 Award of Achievement, American Craft Council Show, St. Paul
  • Collections (Private & Museum):
  • 2004 Collection of Rebecca Klemm, Washington, DC
  • 2003 Collection of Kate Wall Ganz, Santa Fe, NM

Publications:

  • 2005 The Art of Beadwork. Historic Inspiration, Contemporary Design, by Valerie Hector. New York: Watson-Guptill Publications, Inc.
  • 2003 "The Maturing of a Medium: Contemporary Beadwork in Europe and North America, by Valerie Hector. In Surface Design Journal 27 (3): 6-11.
  • 2001 "Valerie Hector," by Deborah Krupenia, in American Craft 61 (2): 62-7.
  • 1999 "The Very Fiber of Her Being," by Lynda McDaniel, in Lapidary Journal 53 (3): 62 ff.

Artist Statement:

I'm increasingly interested in rendering multi-layered, 3-dimensional, geometric structures in beads. I hope that my pieces, when not being worn, will be experienced as compelling objects in their own right.